There are some divorcing couples who prefer to opt out of the Friend of the Court in Michigan when it comes to child support and income withholding. They feel that, no matter their differences in the marriage, they can get along for the sake of the kids and exchange monies as agreed upon – in cases like this, opting out makes sense. However, there are plenty of scenarios when opting out doesn’t make sense, and it’s a choice that Femminineo Attorneys, PLLC will never recommend to any client, no matter how amicable the divorce may seem to be.

The bottom line is this: Financial situations can change. Watch this video featuring divorce lawyer Jacob Femminineo to find out why opting out of Friend of the Court can go so very wrong. And why it’s beneficial – and just plain smart – to take advantage of this free service.

In the state of Michigan, in a divorce case involving child support, it is required by law that an income withholding order go into effect and be entered into the final judgment of a divorce. The employer of the party who will be paying child support is ordered to deduct the determined amount from the party’s paycheck and send it to the Michigan State Disbursement Unit (MiSDU).

While it may sound like a hassle, MiSDU actually makes life easier for the divorcing parties. They disburse child support payments to the other party, they track payments that are in arrears, and so on. Watch this video featuring divorce lawyer Jacob Femminineo as he addresses common financial concerns that arise when it comes to child support, income withholding, and the duties of MiSDU.

Anyone who is divorced with children in the state of Michigan is well-acquainted with child support. There is one important facet with this area of the law, however, that often results in some confusion: child support modification.

The first thing to know is that child support modification cannot happen independently of the courtroom. The judge who is assigned to a divorce case when the divorce papers are filed has jurisdiction on all issues thereafter involving custody, parenting time, and, yes, child support… at least until the child turns 19.5 years old or graduates from high school, whichever comes first. That judge will make the decision about when, or if, any modification to child support can occur.

So when can the amount of child support be increased or decreased? What has to take place to convince a judge that a modification is in order? Watch this video featuring Macomb County lawyer Jacob Femminineo for insight into this complex matter.